WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama gave pardons to two turkeys in the White House Rose Garden, and later served Thanksgiving dinners to veterans and the homeless at a Washington shelter.
Beginning the weekend's Thanksgiving holiday traditions, Obama and his family visited the Friendship Place Homeless Center Wednesday and joined the serving line; Obama dispensed turkey and gravy, first lady Michelle Obama served vegetables and daughters Sasha and Malia offered mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberries to a line of diners at the center, which received a $3.1 million grant earlier this year from the Department of Veterans Affairs.